5 Ingredient Miso Pasta | The Recipe Critic

My 5 ingredient miso pasta turns pantry staples into something you’d swear came from a restaurant kitchen. Butter, garlic, and miso melt together into a rich, savory sauce that clings to every strand of bucatini.

Ingredients for Miso Pasta

• Miso: White, yellow, or red miso all work. I used red miso for its bold, umami flavor, while white miso has a milder, slightly sweeter taste.
• Pasta: Bucatini is my favorite because its thick, hollow shape holds onto the sauce. Spaghetti or linguine are great substitutes.
• Garnishes: Finish with furikake for extra umami, or try sliced nori, green onions, sesame seeds, or chili crisp for a little heat.
• Watch the Salt: Since the recipe uses salted butter, miso, and Parmesan, I skip salting the pasta water. If you prefer a less salty dish, use unsalted butter and white miso paste.

How to Make Miso Pasta

This miso pasta recipe is all about letting a few simple ingredients shine. The butter, garlic, miso, and Parmesan create a creamy sauce that comes together in minutes. Once the pasta is tossed in the sauce, dinner is ready! For more simple pasta recipes, check out my Spaghetti alla Nerano and dirty spaghetti next!

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook bucatini according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter and minced garlic. Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce: Add miso and the pasta water to the pan. Whisk the sauce until smooth.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and parmesan cheese. Toss the pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately and garnish with furikake or nori flakes if desired.